List of disasters in the Chenab Valley

In 2013, the Chenab Valley was struck by a 5.8 magnitude earthquake on May 1. The epicenter was located in the Erstwhile Doda area. The earthquake resulted in the unfortunate loss of two lives and left 69 individuals injured. It led to heightened seismic activity in the region, prompting seismologists to study the area. Some local beliefs attribute the earthquakes to hydroelectric construction projects in the region.[1][2]

On 13 June 2023, an earthquake occurred at 13:33 Indian Standard Time in Chenab Valley's Doda district.[3][4] It was centred near the town of Thathri, and also affected nearby Bhalessa and Bhaderwah areas in the same district and some areas of Jammu and Kashmir. It registered a minimal magnitude of 5.0 and had a maximum Mercalli intensity of VIII (Severe).[5] As of 14 June 2023, there were at least five secondary earthquakes in the region, mainly near the original epicentre. A series of strong aftershocks occurred near Thathri, Bhaderwah, Bhalessa and Kishtwar.[6] On 17 June 2023, a low-intensity earthquake with 3 magnitude in Ramban area of erstwhile Doda region.[7] While another earthquake jolts erstwhile Doda district with 4.4 magnitude on richter scale, as per National Centre for Seismology.[8] While United States Geological Survey measured this earthquake as 4.3 magnitude.[9] On 18 June 2023, another earthquake hits Doda region with the intensity of 4.1 magnitude on richter scale at 03:50 am (IST).[10] On the same day at 05:22 am IST, an earthquake having epicenter in Doda district with intensity of 2.7 magnitude jolts the region.[11] The severity of the damage caused by the earthquake is attributed to severe upthrust. At least 56 buildings had collapsed and 369 others were damaged in Kishtwar.[12] Dozens of buildings including a hospital were also damaged in Bhaderwah.[13] At least five people were injured and hundreds were displaced.[14][15] Schools were closed on 14 June to evaluate damage.[6]

On October 6, 2018, a tragic accident occurred on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway in Ramban district near Marog, specifically at Kela Morh. A minibus carrying passengers from Banihal to Ramban plunged into a gorge after its driver lost control over the vehicle.[16]

The accident resulted in the loss of twenty-two lives, including four women and the driver. Additionally, fourteen passengers sustained injuries, with ten of them being critically injured. Prompt medical assistance was provided, and ten critically injured passengers were airlifted to the army hospital at Udhampur, while two others were taken to Jammu for treatment.[17]

Thirteen passengers with severe injuries were also airlifted to the military hospital in Udhampur. Two of them succumbed to their injuries at the hospital. On the other hand, three individuals with minor injuries were discharged after receiving first aid.[18]

The tragic incident was investigated by then Doda-Kishtwar-Ramban Range DIG Rafiq-ul-Hassan, who confirmed that the minibus veered off the road at approximately 9:55 am. There were conflicting versions on whether the driver, Rehmatullah, lost control of the bus or the vehicle developed a technical snag.[18]

The Sui Gwari Accident occurred on October 28, 2021, in the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir. A tragic incident involving a mini-bus with the registration number JK17 4021 took place on the Batote-Kishtwar highway. The mini-bus was en route from Thathri to Doda when it skidded off the road, rolled down a deep gorge near Sui Gowari, and resulted in a devastating accident.[19]

In the accident, eight people lost their lives on the spot, while several others sustained severe injuries. The injured victims were immediately rushed to nearby medical facilities for treatment.[20]

Six more individuals succumbed to their injuries while receiving treatment at the Government Medical College in Doda and GMC Jammu. As a result, the total death toll reached fourteen.[21]

In response to the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his condolences to the families of the deceased and announced ex gratia payments to the next of kin of the deceased and the injured persons.[22]

On July 22, 2017, flash floods wreaked havoc in Thathri town of Doda district. The floods inundated vast areas along the Batote-Kishtwar National Highway and washed away half a dozen houses. Tragically, six lives were lost in the flash floods.[23]

On July 28, 2021, a devastating cloudburst hit the Hunzar hamlet in Dachhan area of Kishtwar district. The cloudburst resulted in the unfortunate loss of 26 lives and left 17 individuals injured. The aftermath of the cloudburst had a significant impact on the affected community, with search and rescue efforts ongoing to locate missing persons.[24][25]

Cracks in a house in Nayi Basti Thathri, 1 February

On 1 February 2023, a land subsidence event developed in the town of Thathri in the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir, India, resulting in 23 structures being declared unsafe and approximately 300 people being displaced.[26] The event has been described by geological experts as a multifactor landsliding. Buildings impacted include several houses, a mosque, a religious school for girls, and a cricket academy.[27][28] As of 9 February 2023, a massive landsliding was reported at Nayi Basti which blocked National Highway 244 for hours.[29] As of 23 March 2023, the incident spot is declared as "not habitable" by Geological Survey of India report.[30]